Battle of Cycling Backpack Panniers
I like a good pannier bag on the bike and a backpack off the bike. Being a commuter and a city dweller, I need to carry things on my way to work or simply for running errands.
When it comes to carrying the bag off the bike, I have a strong preference for backpacks. I tried panniers with shoulder straps in the past, but I don't find them comfortable to carry for a long period. On the bike, I prefer to have my back free.
Unfortunately, finding a good pannier that can also function as a backpack has proven to be a challenge. Over time I bought a couple of such bags and thought it could be interesting to share my feedback on them. Maybe that will help you pick one.
I will be comparing the Banjo Brothers Backpack against the Arkel Bug and the Ortlieb Vario PS.
Banjo Brothers Backpack
The Banjo Brothers backpack is the first convertible pannier backpack that I bought. At that time, I could not find one that I liked around me. One day, visiting a bike shop in Paris, I found this model on display and immediately knew it was what I needed.
Pros:
- Relatively affordable
- Decent grocery hauler
- Two side pockets (one open, one closed)
Cons:
- No laptop pocket
- If not careful, in pannier mode it can behave like a parachute
Arkel Bug
Arkel is a manufacturer based in Québec, Canada. Some of its products are made locally and they are known to offer a lifetime warranty. The first bag I bought from them was the Shopper bag. I was very pleased with this product, so I decided to give their backpack offering a go.
Pros:
- Cam-lock system ensures the bag is very secure
- Multiple pockets
- Holds a helmet without sacrificing carrying capacity
- Very sturdy + lifetime warranty
Cons:
- Does not stand on its own once on the ground
- The metal hook is annoying to tuck away in backpack mode
- Cam-lock system is a bit tricky to figure out at the beginning
- More limited internal volume compared to other options
Ortlieb Vario PS
The Ortlieb Vario PS is the most recent backpack I purchased (January 2022). I like my Arkel backpack but I often want to get groceries on my way back to work and I can only buy a few items before it gets full. I needed something with more capacity.
While it is a matter of taste, I like the look of the Ortlieb Vario PS.
Pros:
- A large pocket that can cram a lot of stuff
- Laptop sleeve built-in
- Lightweight
- Quick transition
- Padding makes it a decent backpack
- Freestanding
Cons:
- Smart system hook/transition system, but it has a bit of a learning curve
- Lacks pockets and compartments
- Don't put too much stuff in the external pocket or it will make the transition between pannier and backpack more difficult
Bonus: The Theravada Backpack for Brompton / Dahon, Tern, etc.
This one is a bit special. The first bike I ever bought for myself as a student was a Dahon Eco C7, a folding bike. Bike theft is a big deal in cities and I did not have a lot of space to store my bike. I also traveled a lot by regional and high-speed trains back in France and could easily bring the folding bike with me.
I recall learning about this bag and the Dahon luggage mount that was compatible with Brompton bags at a bike shop specializing in Dutch and folding bikes in Paris.
Pros:
- The bag does not interfere with the steering and has minimal impact on the handling of the bike
- Quickest to put on the bike: it slides onto the front mount, no conversion needed.
Cons:
- Discontinued
- Niche (folding bikes with Brompton-like mounts)
Conclusion
On my day-to-day usage, I am turning to the Ortlieb Vario PS most of the time. As a convertible backpack pannier, it does fit my need well: great for commuting, not too bad for getting groceries along the way, and is a pretty good backpack.
To sum up my main takeaways from the different bags:
- Arkel Bug: if you value its ruggedness and the lifetime warranty
- Banjo Brother: the better value, good grocery bag option
- Ortlieb Vario PS: versatile, lightweight, capacity and is a good backpack
Overall, I think that the three of them are worth considering. I hope this helps!